Chapter 70: Unwilling

This event, originally organized as an internal talent selection for the Human Race, attracted other races to watch and even take part because its reputation spread far.

These foreign races, either having long‑term contact with the Human Race or being interested in and admiring Human culture, have learned Human script and hope to showcase their abilities in this examination.

If the foreign races previously came to deepen their understanding of Human culture, now they are deeply moved by the outstanding articles written by Fang Yun and Yu Hao.

Zhou Yi made no reservations and specially arranged an independent examination hall for this group of special foreign candidates.

It was a flat, open area with neatly arranged tables, each bearing the same test papers as those given to Human Race candidates.

However, soon the hall was filled with bursts of astonished shouts.

"What kind of question is this?" a White Tiger candidate shouted, looking very confused, "It asks me to analyze Honghuang's three‑part division of the world and the Saint's influence—how could I possibly answer that?"

Another Spirit Race candidate added, "That's way too hard!"

A Bear candidate complained, "They want us to predict the Human Race's future development and a ten‑year plan—I'm not a prophet!"

Just as the foreign candidates felt discouraged, they noticed that the atmosphere in the neighboring Human candidates' hall was completely different.

There it was silent, only the sound of pen tips scratching paper.

Seeing this, the foreign candidates couldn't help but wonder, "What are the Humans thinking? Can they really get through such a difficult problem?"

They looked up at Zhou Yi, Yu Hao and Fang Yun in the sky; they are the officials in charge of this examination.

After a day and a night, the first round ended. The hall was filled with tension, some rejoicing and some worried.

More than half of the candidates were eliminated; only those with a solid knowledge base and keen thinking could advance.

The remaining candidates were about to face an even harsher second round.

In this round they would compete fiercely again, and in the end only ten thousand candidates would stand out and earn the right to partake in the final assessment.

This strict selection mechanism left every other race shocked and fearful upon hearing of it.

"The Human Race is harsh to others and even harsher to itself!" an elder of the foreign races sighed, his tone mixing admiration and awe.

Surprisingly, however, some foreign members managed to pass the first round and advance smoothly.

The proctor dared not decide privately and quickly reported the situation to Zhou Yi, Fang Yun and others.

"I heard this newcomer is from the Bai Ze clan," Zhou Yi nodded, showing he knew, with little surprise on his face.

The Bai Ze clan is renowned for its intelligence, possessing extensive knowledge and exceptional learning ability, so its members passing the exam is understandable.

"Then how should we handle it? Since he has passed the preliminary test, should we allow him to continue competing with the other candidates?" Sui Huang asked, puzzled.

Zhou Yi took the Bai Ze's test paper, examined it carefully, and soon a smile curved his lips, "The handwriting is truly neat and beautiful."

After a moment of thought, Zhou Yi announced a decision that shocked everyone: "Let him continue the exam; as long as he keeps passing each stage, give him the chance to keep testing forever."

Zhou Yi further explained, "If he can complete all assessments and is willing to leave the Demon Race and join our tribe as an official, that can also be considered."

Although someone reminded Zhou Yi that the candidate belongs to the Demon Race, Zhou Yi emphasized, "Even though he is of Demon Race origin, if he is willing to serve us and sever ties with the Demon Race, this would bring our tribe a rare talent.

It would also reduce potential problems. Moreover, in that massacre, the Bai Ze and Ghost Chariot clans did not participate, so we do not resent their existence."

Although many still had doubts, they respected Zhou Yi's decision and conveyed the notice to Bai Ze to continue testing. When he heard he could go on, surprise filled Bai Ze's eyes, and he promptly prepared to head to the next hall.

As the exam progressed, Bai Ze became the only foreign candidate to break through the first stage and enter the next round.

In the subsequent exam his performance was even more astonishing; his answer sheet was almost perfect, which left the grader greatly shocked upon seeing the results.

The surrounding examiners, after circulating this near‑perfect answer sheet, also showed expressions of amazement and praise.

He quietly placed the test paper back in its original spot.

Regarding the Human Race's societal development plan and analysis of Honghuang's situation, Bai Ze's answer was virtually flawless, even describable as exquisitely brilliant.

Even the Human elite who had been guided by Zhou Yi early on found it hard to submit such a perfect answer. Since the Human Ancestor has already given instructions, everyone must obey and let Bai Ze continue his journey.

This selection process was exceptionally harsh; only a mere ten thousand Humans could ascend the high platform for the final trial, and Bai Ze, as the sole non‑Human candidate, stood out markedly.

"You bear the future hope of our tribe," Sui Huang stood on the high platform, his voice stirring as he encouraged the students below, "Now, display your knowledge!"

His gaze burned like a torch, sweeping over each candidate who had stood out among millions of competitors.

Although his heart felt a little reluctant, as Zhou Yi said, "This is the very nature of the selection system."

All candidates sat fully focused at their seats, while a barrier radiating mysterious light slowly rose on the platform, shielding them to ensure each could answer in a quiet, undisturbed environment.

At this moment, the aura around Zhou Yi, Yu Hao and Fang Yun in the sky gradually intensified.

Each stroke of the candidates' writing was filled with pure literary qi and righteous qi; these auras flowed like a steady stream, converging into a river that surged into the heavens, nourishing and strengthening the three aloft.

Suddenly, Yu Hao and Fang Yun felt a golden light envelop their bodies, followed by a powerful, profound force surging into them.

It caused their cultivation to instantly leap from early Saint‑candidate stage to the middle stage, and this boost was extremely stable, as if forged through countless trials.

The two exchanged delighted glances.

However, what drew even more attention was Zhou Yi ahead.

At this moment, he became the focal point of the entire Honghuang world.

He deliberately widened the distance from Yu Hao and Fang Yun, turning his previously floating posture into stepping through the void; with each step his form grew a few inches.

The articles and poems beneath his feet seemed summoned, soaring up to become solid steps that carried his ascent.

Surrounded by literary qi and righteous qi, a spectacular Tongtian road formed beneath his feet, stretching toward the sky.

After entering an indescribably wondrous realm, the merit qi Zhou Yi had accumulated while creating characters burst forth, filling the sky and forming a grand tapestry where merit and righteous qi intertwined.